Paddle Sports in Fiji

From Whitewater Thrills to Coastal Calm

From rapids-choked canyons to shaded jungle rivers and calm, mangrove-fringed coastal lagoons, the islands of Fiji are a paddler’s delight. Whitewater Rivers tumble from mountain heights, and then gradually mellow as their flow reaches the coastal plains. Along the way, the personalities of these waterways transition from wild and exciting to mild and scenic. Various routes can be enjoyed by kayak, rubber raft, canoe or even a traditional bamboo float. Coastlines create different opportunities for explorations of wetlands or open water crossings to fringing coral reefs and small deserted islands ringed in white sand beaches.

Highlights

Weather: Tropical weather patterns rotate between winter from May - Oct and summer from Nov - Apr with common rain showers. Air temperatures can drop to low 70s in the winter and mid to high 80s in summer. Chance of rain and storms increase in Jan and Feb

Things to Do

Fiji Information

Paddle Sports in Fiji Overview

There are dozens of rivers flowing from the highlands of Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu. The longest and most popular with rafters is the Navua, which begins in remote mountain highlands as a whitewater stream with class III and IV rapids. Closer to the coast in the Pacific Harbour area, the river's middle and lower sections offer more sedate drifts for rafts and canoes, while coastal areas provide routes for sea kayaking.

Paddle Sports in Fiji Tips

Though a whitewater excursion might seem challenging, most all Fiji rafting trips are suitable for families and persons of all ages. As an alternative to rafts, some operators offer inflatable kayaks, which are easier to handle and more forgiving than hard kayaks, but still provide a thrilling ride.

Best Places for Paddle Sports in Fiji

The upper Navua River flows through a steep, narrow gorge where waterfalls tumble from overhead cliffs and a lush rainforest canopy reaches to the river's edge. On the north coast of Viti Levu, guided kayak tours wind through mangrove lagoons and across turquoise bays. Bamboo rafts are used for traditional rides at Naqesa village.

What to Pack for Paddle Sports in Fiji

Wear synthetic water shirts and fast-drying shorts or swim suits for whitewater trips where getting wet is a given. Water shoes or sandals with heel straps are a good choice for any paddling adventure. A brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt provide sun protection for open-water coastal routes. Remember a floating waterproof bag or case for valuables.

Resorts

Paddle Sports

Fiji

The Pearl South Pacific

PACIFIC HARBOUR - The Pearl Resort, an elegant, sun-drenched resort within the sublime environs of Pacific Harbour between Suva and Nadi.
Come and leave the frenzied world far behind. Set by the beach and surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, The Pearl Resort is an idyllic escape where chic accommodation, exquisite cuisine and as much – or as little – adventure and relaxation required await you.

Fiji

Matava Eco Resort

KADAVU ISLAND - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure is located on the secluded and magnificent island of Kadavu and bordered by the Great Astrolabe Reef. Matava is a small and intimate getaway designed to blend with its natural environment with accommodations traditional to Fiji. Thatched Fijian bures are nestled in the rainforest, accommodate up to 22 guests and offer privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

Fiji

Wananavu Beach Resort

RAKIRAKI, VITI LEVU - "Wananavu” means “perfect” in Fijian and Wananavu Beach Resort certainly aspires to be just that. Legendary dive sites crammed with sensational soft corals, critters and swarms of tropical fish are the big attraction for divers to this very popular dive resort.

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry into Fiji that must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry into the country. A return or onward ticket is also required. No visa is required for stays under 4 months. Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamp. Read about Fiji's entry and exit requirements here. Fiji has a departure tax of 200 FJD that should be included in your international ticket.

Immunizations

There are no immunizations required to enter Fiji. It is always recommended that you consult the CDC Website or check with your doctor for recommended vaccines.

Culture and Customs

Fijians take pride in being known as the friendliest people in the world. The welcoming and easy-going attitude that permeates their island culture invite visitors to venture beyond resorts and discover a traditional way of life that values relationships, traditions and inclusion. It's not uncommon for Fijians to strike up a conversation with total strangers, and take a genuine interest in those they meet. This spirit of hospitality can be found at Lovo feasts, where foods cooked in open pits are shared in a communal fashion. Fiji's most iconic cultural tradition is the yaqona or kava ceremony. The sharing of this mildly narcotic drink, which is made from the ground root of the kava plant, creates a sense of relation and wellbeing rather than impairment. When visiting a village, it is customary to bring a gift of kava root, and the drinking of a cup is followed by a cry of Bula! Traditions remain, but Fiji is not stuck in the past, and the well-developed tourism industry offers the expected range of water sports, spa services and land-based activities. There are a number of golf courses on the major islands, and tour companies provide a range of adventures from horseback rides, cycle tours and zip lines to off-road safaris and even whitewater rafting in streams that plunge from mountainous interiors.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Fiji has three flat pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc. A converter is recommended with a transformer to convert 240V to 110V. Some hotels offer universal outlets for either voltage appliances or adapters but to be guaranteed no problems it may be best to bring your own adapter.

The country code for the Fiji islands is 679. Direct dialing is available to and from Fiji. Check with your cell phone provider for international plans or voice, data and text. Many hotels offer WiFi.

Water Quality

Many hotels have purified water. If in doubt, bottled water is available for purchase.

Language & Currency

Fiji has three official languages: Fijian, English and Hindi (a Fijian form of Hindi spoken by the Indian population which is different than Hindi spoken in India). There are also many Fijian dialects which are spoken by the indigenous Fijians (Bauan is the most common).

The currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). For the current exchange rate click here. Major credit cards are welcomed by hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies, cruises and travel agents. Currency may be exchanged at the airport upon arrival or from ATMs located at banks.

Time

Fiji observes Fiji Time (FJD) which is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+12GMT). Local time in Fiji is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time from March 1 to October 31. Fiji does observe Daylight Savings Time which is recognized as Fiji Summer Time (FJST) between November and February at which time it is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+13 GMT). Although the 180° meridian passes through Taveuni, all of Fiji is west of the international dateline, so it's one day ahead of the United States.

Location, Size and Population

Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu. The country occupies an archipelago of about 330 islands, scattered across 200,000 square miles of ocean, of which 100 are permanently inhabited. The two major island, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for approximately 85% of the total population. Fiji offers lagoons, rainforests, pine forests, mountains and over 1,000 miles of white sand beaches.